Question

select the correct answer. which sentence best explains the high melting point, boiling point, and surface tension of water? a. the hydrogen atom on each water molecule is strongly attracted to the hydrogen atoms on nearby molecules. b. ions dissolved in the water cause nearby molecules to become temporarily polar. c. the water molecules are connected to each other with covalent bonds. d. water molecules that have lost electrons attract the water molecules that have gained electrons. e. the negative side of each water molecule is attracted to the positive sides of nearby molecules.

Explanation:

Water is a polar molecule. The oxygen - end has a partial negative charge and the hydrogen - end has a partial positive charge. Hydrogen bonds form between the negative side of one water molecule and the positive side of a nearby water molecule. These hydrogen bonds are relatively strong intermolecular forces that contribute to water's high melting point, boiling point, and surface tension. Option A is incorrect as hydrogen - hydrogen attractions are not the key factor. Option B is about ions causing temporary polarity which is not relevant here. Option C is wrong because water molecules are connected by hydrogen bonds (intermolecular) not covalent bonds (intramolecular). Option D is not the main reason for water's properties. Option E correctly describes the hydrogen - bonding interaction between water molecules.

Answer:

E. The negative side of each water molecule is attracted to the positive sides of nearby molecules.